The award-winning, all-ages festival, Coogee Live, announces a stellar line up of entertainers, artists, artisans, performers and facilitators in a packed program of free activities held at Coogee Beach on 8 – 9 March 2025.
The first time in WA, playful Melbourne-based Erth Divers will be roving across the weekend delighting young and old who’ll be left wondering if they just emerged from the Indian Ocean or arrive from another dimension. Erth is a company pushing the limits of design, content and experience recognised internationally as an innovator of visual theatre, and a creator of brave, unbridled work for children.
Fliptease will be sprinkling magic and wonder at Coogee Live with several acts and roving performers including five bright and fun Colour Shift characters found on the beach, a live interactive experience where colour, movement and personality come alive.
Imagination will run wild as kids play dress up in costumes of their favourite animals and hear stories inside the Nylon Zoo’s mega-giant frilled neck lizard and spotted quoll, each ten metres in size.
For the third time and a Coogee Live highlight is the Great Mermaid Migration which will see ‘merfolk’ of all ages gather at the southern end of Coogee Beach for a fairy tale phenomenon. Applications are open to be a part of the Great Mermaid Migration.
Finalist for best Australian community event at the 2023 Australian Event Awards and the winner in 2021, this will be the eighth edition of Coogee Live, which attracted about 26,000 attendees earlier this year.
City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said each year Coogee Live builds on its successes.
Fervor chef / owner, Paul ‘Yoda’ Iskov. Photo: Supplied
“Stretching 1.5 kilometres along the coast with nearly 200 activities over two days, Coogee Live is already a massive event. Our focus is not on making it bigger, but on making it even better,” Mayor Howlett said.
“This free festival is for everyone, bringing the community together in a vibrant, inclusive celebration at our iconic beachside location, with something for all ages to enjoy.”
Joining Coogee Live for the first time is the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) and Noongar/Jingili rapper Zero MC who together headline Saturday night’s (8th March 2025) entertainment ‘From Be-Bop to Hip-Hop’.
Rooted in Noongar and Jingili cultures, Zero MC’s powerful raps carry a deep connection to his heritage, delivered with pride and authenticity. Get ready to move to phat beats, bold brass and infectious grooves as Zero MC’s compelling stories are amplified by the powerhouse sounds of WAYJO’s 18-piece big band.
On the theme of Hip Hop, Junior Breakers will be showing their fast footwork, top rocks, freezes and power moves in the Breaking Battle, an inspiring display of breakdancing.
Watch a vibrant display of Latin Fusion dance by The Dance Collective, feel the inspiration and then have a go by joining the Latin fusion interactive workshop learning some fun and simple moves.
For movement not to try at home, see human beat-box and vocal sound effects specialist Ross Vegas in a unique show that combines the ancient art of circus and vaudeville with his self-made vocal soundtrack, all while balancing on one hand on a tower of folding chairs.
The musical acts continue with artists from Cockburn’s school of all abilities, Kelete, including 13-year-old singer songwriter Samira Bicknell who has already released her first single on Spotify and Apple Music, as well as Ethan Grainger who’s musical vocality is as dazzling as Elton John and Billy Joel, and Silverlake, a student quartet who create and record beautiful harmonies and thoughtful lyrics.
Kelete’s Auslan Choir will sing and perform songs in sign language, and Depak Dance Ability will perform dance.
New at Coogee Live 2025 is the Omeo Wellness Oasis presented by Frasers Property Group Australia, designed for relaxation, yoga, breath work, and all things wellness.
Indulge in contrast therapy during one of Löyly’s Sauna and Ice Bath Recovery sessions, join the Sea Gals and Pals for a judgement-free sunset ocean dip and self-love club workshop, and introduce young ones to creative movement at the Kids’ Upside Down Yoga Workshop.
The Omeo Kitchen Garden returns in 2025 in a new position featuring an all-star line up of culinary talent including former head chef of Noma (Copenhagen), a restaurant named the San Pellegrino World Number 1 restaurant multiple times, and owner of Alberta’s Busselton, Ben Ing, along with renowned pop-up dining maestro, Paul Iskov owner of roaming restaurant Fervor, and sustainability zero-waste, nose-to-tail chef Melissa Palinkas, owner of Young George and Ethos Deli.
There will also be hands-on Italian cooking lessons at Enjoy Your Italian where you’ll be learning the language of la della dolce vita while rolling ravioli.
There are more experiences, entertainment, activations, workshops and displays at Coogee Live 2025.
Mermaids and mermaid selfies at Coogee Live. Photo: SoCo Studios
The packed program includes activities that encourage learning, celebrate culture, foster connection, spark imaginative thinking, and provide an opportunity to try something new.
There are four hubs – Beach and Jetty Hub, Community Hub, Omeo Hub and the Ocean Kitchen Garden– will stretch along the coast from North Coogee to Coogee Beach Reserve, each with a multitude of activities and attractions.
Back by popular demand is the Fremantle Ports Community Lantern Parade led by the fire provocateurs Dangerous Delights with creative beats from instruments made with recycled materials by The Junkedelic Brass Band. The dazzling parade features handmade bamboo lanterns from Noongar artist Sharyn Egan alongside lanterns by local artist Giovanni Sanjiva and the local Cockburn Community.
There’s a recycled-materials sculpture competition, sandcastle comp, workshops, market stalls, displays, and more.
Mark your diaries for 8th and 9th of March to head to the City of Cockburn for a free and fun weekend at Coogee Live.
For more information, visit www.coogeelive.com and follow Coogee Live on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/
Coogee Live
8 – 9 March, 2025
Coogee Beach
www.coogeelive.com
